Mexico’s southern border experiencing a wave of violence from organized crime and drug cartel disputes.
The warning arises “due to increasing violence and security concerns in Chiapas,” leading to travel restrictions for U.S. officials in the area, as per the information on the Embassy’s official website.
The U.S. government has outlined a danger zone that includes most of the border between Chiapas and Guatemala, from the Pacific coast to the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve. It also encompasses cities like Netzahualcóyotl, Ocosingo, El Ocote, San Francisco Pujiltic, and Mapastepec. However, travel to Tapachula, the largest city on Mexico’s border with Central America, is permitted.
The alert coincides with growing violence in Chiapas due to drug cartels’ disputes to control the border with Central America.
Over 100,000 children and adolescents were affected in the state in 2023 by the disputes of criminal groups, according to a report by the Network for Children’s Rights in Mexico (Redim) and the Network for the Rights of Children and Adolescents in Chiapas (Redias).
Furthermore, the warning coincides with the tour being conducted this weekend by Claudia Sheinbaum, the presidential candidate of the ruling National Regeneration Movement (Morena), who will visit the southern border.
Source: Forbes
